BISHKEK, 20 May 2010 - Media freedom and the internet was the focus of a roundtable discussion held today by the Bishkek Press Club with the support of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek. 

The meeting brought together media experts with representatives of human rights groups and international organizations to discuss internet regulation and safeguarding media freedom, particularly in light of recent events in Kyrgyzstan.

"The conclusions of this roundtable discussion will be factored into the OSCE Centre’s work to strengthen media freedom in Kyrgyzstan and support the development of related legislation that is in line with international standards," said Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

"In Kyrgyzstan there is a need to define and introduce clear legislation to ensure the freedom of speech, media freedom and access to information," said Tattu Mambetalieva, the Director of the Civil Initiative on Internet Policy.

Alexander Kulinsky, an independent media expert, added: "In the current political and security climate of Kyrgyzstan, any information transmitted can potentially have serious consequences. Therefore this event is helpful to support our urgent efforts to streamline accurate and free internet journalism."

The public discussion was part of a project on "Media Freedom - Safety of Journalists" carried out by the Institute for Public Policy and financed by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

Direct link to the press release